Chelsea set their sights on Aston Villa star

Chelsea’s disappointing season continued as they were held to a 2-2 draw against struggling Nottingham Forest on Saturday. 

Frank Lampard’s side put an end to a nine-game winless run by beating Bournemouth a week ago, but they were unable to take all three points against Forest.

The west London side are currently sitting in 11th place in the Premier League table with 43 points and are unable to qualify for any European competition next term.

Owner Todd Boehly has sacked both Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter this season and the Blues have endured a dismal season despite spending more than £500 million on 16 new players in the last year.

Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard replaced Potter as interim manager in March but has so far seen his side win just one of his eight matches in charge.

One particular area of concern for the Blues this term has been goalkeeping, with both Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga having failed to impress.

Therefore, Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly demanded that Chelsea sign a new goalkeeper if he is to join the club as manager, and the ex-Spurs boss has his sights set on a current Premier League ‘keeper.

Martinez is reportedly a. top target for both Chelsea and Manchester United this summer

According to The Mirror, Chelsea are set to rival Manchester United for the signing of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

The report explains that Pochettino, who will join Chelsea as manager, has identified Martinez as his top target to be Chelsea’s new no.1.

Martinez has caught the eyes of several teams from around the world following his impressive performances for Unai Emery’s side.

The Argentinian joined the Villans from Arsenal for around £17m in 2020 having failed to secure regular football for the Gunners.

Martinez, 30, played a crucial role in helping Argentina win the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, saving four spot kicks in penalty shootouts over the course of the competition.

The Argentina international also won the Golden Glove award in Qatar for keeping the most clean sheets in the competition.

A transfer could prove difficult for Chelsea or United, though, as the ‘keeper signed a new five-year contract in 2022, which could keep him at Villa Park until 2027.